Stabilized damping element, as well as water barrier having such damping elements

ABSTRACT

A damping element ( 6 ) comprises, adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction ( 7 ), a head part ( 3 ), neck part ( 4 ) and foot part ( 5 ) of concrete. The cross section of the neck part transversely to the longitudinal direction ( 7 ) is smaller than the cross section of the head part transversely to the longitudinal direction and is smaller than the cross section of the foot part transversely to the longitudinal direction, such that a system of channels ( 8 ) is formed. The foot part ( 5 ) has, over at least a portion of the periphery ( 18 ) thereof, a recess ( 15 ) directed transversely to the longitudinal direction. Together with the grit particles ( 16 ) accommodated therein, these grooves ( 15 ) provide a stabilizing effect.

The invention relates to a damping element comprising a head part, neck part and foot part of concrete adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, transversely to the longitudinal direction, the neck part has a smaller cross section than the head part and the foot part.

A damping element of this type is known, for example, from Dutch patent 2004345. Damping elements can be used, for example, in water barriers in connection with the damping of the wave action. Between the mutually adjacent head parts of the damping elements remain openings, via which the water crashing against the water barrier can drain away. A significant damping effect is thereby obtained. The water which is thus collected can be evacuated via the system of channels which is formed between the mutually adjacent, narrower neck parts, whereby the damping is further promoted.

In order to the stabilization of the damping elements, such that these can withstand the water forces which are exerted thereon by the wave action, the upright sides of the foot parts are usually constructed somewhat narrower in the upward direction. In the wedge-shaped gaps which are thus formed, stone chippings, grit or gravel, for example, can be received. A material of this type ensures that the foot parts are firmly stabilized relative to one another. As a result of the wedge shape of the gaps between the foot parts, a strong mutual clamping effect of the foot parts is thus obtained.

An object of the invention is to provide a damping element of the type described above, which, as a part of a row of such damping elements, produces still better stability. A further object of the invention is to provide a water barrier having improved stability. These and other objects are achieved by virtue of the fact that the foot part of the damping element has, over at least a portion of the periphery thereof, a recess directed transversely to the longitudinal direction.

An important effect of the recess in the periphery of the foot part is that the above-described stabilization particles, such as grit and the like, can make their way therein. When the stabilization particles are present in the recess, they have only a limited possibility, or none at all, of upward or downward displacement along the said periphery. As a result thereof, the stabilization particles can better secure the mutually adjacent foot parts of the damping elements against the effect of the wave action. This will in particular be the case if, given two mutually adjacent damping elements, a stabilization particle makes its way both into the recess of one damping element and into the recess of the other damping element.

The direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the recess is important, because the displacement of the damping elements relative to one another in the longitudinal direction is thereby prevented. Nevertheless, it is also possible to make a recess run virtually or wholly in the longitudinal direction in order to prevent mutual twisting or displacement, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the adjacent damping elements, relative to one another.

Preferably, the recess extends all the way round the periphery of the foot part. The foot part can be provided with the recess on all sides, preferably on the sides on the outer periphery of the foot part. In that case, the damping element can be stabilized on all sides, viewed in the peripheral direction, relative to neighbouring, adjacent damping elements. Preferably, the recess has the form of a groove. This recess or groove can extend continuously over the whole of the periphery, though that is not necessary. The recess or groove can also be interrupted at one or more places in the peripheral direction.

The shape of the foot can also vary. Preferably, the periphery thereof has a plurality of mutually differing sides, which, two by two, are directed transversely to one another. Preferably, the periphery of the foot part has a plurality of sides, which, two by two, enclose an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°. This can be a case of three sides, four sides or more sides. Such shapes approximate to a polygonal. Preferably, two sides directed transversely to each other enclose an angle of approximately 90°. In that case, the foot part of the damping element can form a square or rectangle.

Furthermore, sides of the foot part can possess a shape which is convex in the peripheral direction. In the case of a square or rectangular shape of the foot part, such sides then enclose a somewhat greater angle than 90°. The advantage of a slightly convex shape of this type is that it offers the possibility of positioning the damping elements in a somewhat twisted arrangement relative to one another, without the formation of undesirably large gaps. Preferably, the recess is located at a distance from the bottom side of the foot part and from the transition between the foot part and the neck. This distance is preferably other than 0.

Preferably, the foot part possesses on the bottom side a base, by means of which the damping element can be placed firmly on a foundation. The periphery of the foot part extends upwards from this base in the longitudinal direction. The foot part can further have a shape which is tapered in the longitudinal direction.

The damping element can preferably be made wholly of concrete. According to an alternative, preferred embodiment, however, two damping element parts, preferably of concrete, which join together via an interface running in the longitudinal direction are provided. Damping element parts of this type are easier to produce in an open mould. This applies all the more so if the damping element parts are identical.

The damping elements can be constructed with different external shapes. They can thus, for example, be rotationally symmetrical, for example in a design in which, when rotated respectively through 90° about the longitudinal direction, same-shaped regions always exist. However, it is also possible to give the head part and the foot part, for example, different shapes. Preference is for an embodiment in which, in a first principal direction transversely to the longitudinal direction, the transverse dimension in this direction of the head part is greater than the transverse dimension in this direction of the foot part.

In an embodiment of this type, if the damping elements are placed side by side in the said direction, the head parts will therefore abut one against another, whilst the foot parts are then located at a distance apart, enclosing a gap. This embodiment makes it possible to place neighbouring damping elements somewhat obliquely relative to one another, wherein the head parts define a concave shape, whilst both the head parts and the foot parts of adjacent damping elements abut one against another. Such a placement is suitable, for example, in the transition of a water barrier from an inclined portion to a flat portion, as in the crown of a dike.

The longitudinal directions of the mutually adjacent damping elements enclose in these cases a small angle. However, in the non-curved, straight portions, the damping elements stand, however, closely abreast, wherein the longitudinal directions thereof are directed mutually parallel. The head parts then abut one against another, whilst, as already stated above, the foot parts mutually enclose gaps. However, as a result of the grooves in the foot parts and the interaction thereof with the grit particles, a stable lining can be obtained, however, in these regions too.

At least those sides which are directed transversely to the first principal direction are provided with a recess. The recesses into which the stabilization particles penetrate then make the desired contributions to the stability of the row both in the curved regions and in the straight regions.

Furthermore, in a second principal direction which is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction and which is directed transversely to the first longitudinal direction, the dimension of the head part can be equal to the dimension of the head part in the first principal direction. Further preferably, in a second principal direction which is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction and which is directed transversely to the first longitudinal direction, the dimension of the head part can be equal to the dimension of the foot part in the second principal direction. In that position of the damping elements in which the longitudinal directions are parallel, then both the head parts and the foot parts abut one against another. A mutual position of this type is useful over sections which are straight without the presence of a significant curvature, such as sections in the longitudinal direction of a dike body.

The invention further relates to a row of damping elements as described above, wherein at least the foot parts of neighbouring damping elements are held one against another, enclosing hard stabilization particles such as grit or gravel. In this case, stabilization particles are present in the recess of the said foot parts held one against another. Preferably, the dimensions of the stabilization particles are greater than the depth dimension of the recess. An advantage thereof is that stabilization particles can be present both in the recess of a damping element and in the recess of an adjacent damping element. This has an improved stabilizing effect.

As stated, the respective longitudinal directions of can enclose an angle greater than zero, such that the said neighbouring damping elements are directed obliquely relative to one another and the head parts of these neighbouring damping elements define a concave shape. In this case, the head parts of neighbouring damping elements and foot parts of the said damping elements which define the concave shape can abut directly one against another, such that, in addition to the effect produced by the grooves and the grit particles, a stable lining is obtained.

The invention further relates to a water barrier, comprising a barrier body covered by a lining consisting of a row of damping elements as described above.

In the above, talk has been of a damping element having a foot part which, over at least a portion of the periphery thereof, has a recess directed transversely to the longitudinal direction. This recess can be located locally on the foot part. A row of local recesses is also possible. It is further possible for the foot to have a plurality of recesses located one above another, which are provided continuously or locally. Combinations of continuous recesses and rows of local recesses are also possible. A recess can be sunk in the outer side of the foot part. However, it is also possible to form a recess between two prominent ridges or projections on the foot part.

The invention will be described in greater detail below on the base of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows damping elements placed side by side.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a damping element according to II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the foot part of a damping element according to III of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a vertical cross section through a water barrier.

FIG. 5 shows the enlarged detail according to V of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a foot part having various possible recesses.

The water barrier or dike represented with reference numeral 1 in FIG. 4 consists of the dike body 10, as well as a lining 2 consisting of a large number of damping elements 6. This lining extends both in the longitudinal direction of the dike body 10 and in the transverse direction represented in FIG. 3. In the transverse direction, the damping elements 6 are placed in this example side by side in a row. In the longitudinal direction too, the damping elements 6 can be arranged in rows. Placed in a known manner at the foot of the dike 1 is rock fill 11, which is located below the level of the water body 12.

The water body 12 reaches up to a certain height of the lining 2; when the waves on the water body 2 break, the lining 2 is exposed to water forces. This means also that the individual damping elements 6 are subjected to load. It is hence of great importance that the damping elements 6 present in the lining 2 are secured as well as possible such that they can offer resistance to the force of the water.

As also represented in FIGS. 1 and 4, each damping element 6 consists of a head part 3, a neck 4 and a foot part 5. These parts adjoin one another in the longitudinal direction, indicated schematically by reference numeral 7. The neck part 4 has a considerably smaller cross section than the head part 3 and the foot part 5. As a result, a system of channels 8 is formed between the mutually adjacent damping elements 6. The foot part 5 possesses on the bottom side a base 17, by means of which the damping element 6 can be placed firmly on a foundation. The periphery 18 of the foot part 5 extends upwards from this base 17 in the longitudinal direction 7 and possesses a shape which is tapered somewhat in the longitudinal direction 7.

Although the head parts 3, in the represented illustrative embodiment, adjoin one another, they enclose mutual openings 9 through which water can penetrate into the system of channels 8. As a result, on the one hand the force of the water is damped, whilst, on the other hand, it can be evacuated to good effect via the system of channels 8.

As represented in FIG. 4, the lining 2 reaches from a straight flank 13 of the dike body 10 up to the summit 14 thereof, such that the rows of damping element 6 undergo a curvature. The mutual position of the damping elements 6 relative to one another can thereby vary, wherein at the site of the straight flank 13 the longitudinal directions 7 of neighbouring damping elements are mutually parallel, whilst at the site of the transition from this straight flank 13 to the summit 14 the longitudinal directions 7 of neighbouring damping elements 6 enclose a small angle. It is important, however, that both at the site of the straight flank, at the site of the summit 14 and at the site of the transition between the straight flank 13 and the summit 14, all damping elements 6 are well stabilized in the same way relative to one another against loosening.

In this context, various measures have been taken. First of all, these grit particles 16 provide a clamping effect between the adjacent foot parts 5 as a result of the somewhat tapered shape of the periphery 18. The damping elements 6 are constructed such that the transverse dimensions c of the head parts 3 are equal in the mutually perpendicular directions as represented in the top view of FIG. 2. The transverse dimensions in the two corresponding mutual perpendiculars of the foot part 5 differ, however, as represented in the cross section of FIG. 3. In this case, one transverse dimension b is chosen equal to the transverse dimensions c of the head part 3, yet the other transverse dimension a is chosen somewhat smaller. The transverse dimensions a and b are measured close to the base 17 of the foot part 5.

The damping elements 6 are placed on the dike body 10 such that the foot parts 5 thereof are placed with their relatively small transverse dimensions a along the flanks 13 from low to high, whilst the foot parts 5 are placed with their larger transverse dimensions b in the longitudinal direction of the dike body 10. The result of this is that the damping elements 6, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the dike body 10, rest stably one against another both with the head parts 3 and with their foot parts 5. Along the straight flank 13 viewed from high to low, however, although the head parts 3 abut one against another, a gap is formed between the foot parts 5 owing to the smaller transverse dimensions a of the foot parts 5. At the place of the curved transition between the straight flank 13 and the summit 14, however, the foot parts 5 also abut one against another, because there the longitudinal directions 7 of the particular damping elements 6 enclose a small angle relative to one another.

A further measure for stabilizing the damping elements relates to the groove 15 provided on the outer side of the foot part 5. In the represented illustrative embodiment, this groove 15 extends around the whole of the periphery of the foot part 5, although that is not necessary. The groove 15 is directed perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction 7. As represented in FIG. 3 and in particular in the larger-scale view of FIG. 1, a grit consisting of particles 16 has been deposited between the foot parts 5 of neighbouring damping elements 6.

As a result of these grooves 15 filled with grit particles 16, the damping elements 6 also at the site of the straight flank 13 are nevertheless well stabilized relative to one another, despite the gap which exists there between adjacent damping elements 6 as a result of the smaller transverse dimension a thereof. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the mutual stabilization of the damping elements 6 is further increased by the fact that particles 16 can have such dimensions that one and the same particle can protrude both in the groove 15 of one damping element and in the groove 15 of the neighbouring damping element. The foot parts 5 of the damping elements are thereby, in the longitudinal direction thereof, non-displaceable relative to one another, which imparts to the lining made up of such damping elements very good resistance against the forces of flowing and rolling water. The mutually opposing grooves 15 form a system of channels between the mutually adjacent damping elements 6, and in particular between the side-by-side foot parts 5.

As represented in FIGS. 1-3, the damping elements 6 preferably consist of identical damping element parts 20, 21, which abut one against the other via an interface 19.

The detail of the foot part in FIG. 6 shows various forms of recesses which can each be used separately, either of the same type one above another or of different types one above another. The two grooves 15 placed one above the other are continuous. As an alternative, or additionally thereto, rows of insulated recesses or pits 15′, 15″ can be used. In all recesses of this type also, as a result of the intrusion of grit particles therein, a stabilized damping element can be obtained.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1. Water barrier -   2. Lining -   3. Head part -   4. Neck part -   5. Foot part -   6. Damping element -   7. Longitudinal direction -   8. System of channels -   9. Opening -   10. Dike body -   11. Rock fill -   12. Water body -   13. Straight flank of dike body -   14. Summit of dike body -   15, 15′, 15″. Groove in foot part -   16. Grit particles -   17. Base foot part -   18. Periphery of foot part -   19. Interface -   20; 21. Damping element parts -   a Relatively small transverse dimension of foot part -   b Relatively large transverse dimension of foot part -   c Transverse dimensions of head part 

1-24. (canceled)
 25. Damping element comprising a head part, neck part and foot part of concrete material, adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein a cross section of the neck part transversely to the longitudinal direction is smaller than a cross section of the head part transversely to the longitudinal direction and is smaller than a cross section of the foot part transversely to the longitudinal direction, wherein the foot part has an at least partially tapered periphery, and has a recess directed transversely to the longitudinal direction over at least a portion of said tapered periphery.
 26. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the foot part has a number of sides and the recess is provided on all sides of the foot part.
 27. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the recess has the form of a groove.
 28. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the recess is interrupted in the peripheral direction.
 29. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the recess extends continuously around the whole periphery.
 30. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the foot part has a square or rectangular cross-section.
 31. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the foot part has a number of sides, and at least some of the sides are convex in the peripheral direction.
 32. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the recess is located at a distance from a bottom side or base of the foot part and from a transition between the foot part and the neck part.
 33. Damping element according to claim 25, comprising two damping element parts, which abut at an interface running in the longitudinal direction.
 34. Damping element according to claim 33, wherein the damping element parts are identical.
 35. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein, in a first principal direction transversely to the longitudinal direction, a transverse dimension c of the head part is greater than a transverse dimension a of the foot part.
 36. Damping element according to claim 35, wherein sides of the foot part which are directed transversely to the first principal direction are provided with a recess.
 37. Damping element according to claim 35, wherein, in a second principal direction which is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the first principal direction, a transverse dimension c of the head part is equal to the transverse dimension c of the head part in the first principal direction and greater than or equal to a transverse dimension b of the foot part in the second principal direction
 38. Damping element according to claim 25, wherein the foot part comprises a plurality of recesses one above another.
 39. An installation comprising a plurality of damping elements arranged together, each damping element comprising: a head part, a neck part and a foot part of concrete material, wherein a cross section of the neck part transversely to the longitudinal direction is smaller than a cross section of the head part transversely to the longitudinal direction and is smaller than a cross section of the foot part transversely to the longitudinal direction and each foot part has one or more recesses at its outer periphery, wherein at least the foot parts of neighbouring damping elements are positioned with their recesses facing each other, whereby stabilization particles such as grit or gravel may be retained in the recesses of the said foot parts to prevent mutual shifting of the damping elements.
 40. Installation according to claim 39, wherein dimensions of the stabilization particles are greater than a depth dimension of the recesses.
 41. Installation according to claim 39, wherein dimensions of the stabilization particles are such that they can extend into the recesses of adjacent damping elements.
 42. Installation according to claim 39, wherein the head parts of the damping elements are greater in size than the foot parts, whereby the head parts of neighbouring damping elements abut each other.
 43. Installation according to claim 42, forming a convex section of a dike or water barrier, wherein head parts of neighbouring damping elements and foot parts of said damping elements abut directly one against another.
 44. Installation according to claim 42, whereby the neck parts form a system of channels and the head parts comprise openings formed between adjacent head parts through which water can penetrate into the system of channels. 